The Thalheimer and May Galleries adjoin the east entrance of the BMA and host the museum’s temporary contemporary exhibitions. This renovation is the third phase of a comprehensive renovation program. Capitalizing on a construction need to integrate new fire suppression and alarm systems, the Director of the Museum sought to create a new image for the galleries as a highly flexible space in which to display a wider range of contemporary art in media ranging from three dimensional sculpture to video projection. MCA developed solutions that opened up the galleries while maintaining multiple building fire barriers, and integrated robust yet flexible supporting systems to provide a clean pallet for creative expression.

Project Highlights

• All new finishes throughout these newly conceived galleries

• Provision of modern and flexible display lighting system

• Integration of new support system and controls for new theatrical lighting throughout

• Integration of power and communication infrastructure to support audio-visual displays throughout

• Integration of new fire suppression systems throughout the galleries

• Replacement of skylights with high efficiency framing and UV limiting glass, as well as infinitely variable automated light shading system.

• Demolition and construction of elevated floors adjacent to conservation and gallery spaces